High Borrowdale

Our Land

High Borrowdale is situated in a locality described by Wainwright as “the most beautiful valley outside the Lake District”, however the valley is now part of the Lake District thanks to the national park extension in 2016. Through the extensive work of our volunteers this land has been transformed into a stunning landscape haven for wildlife and people. We have re-created two upland hay meadows, restored two barns, stabilised a derelict farm house, re-built 5km of dry stone wall and planted 10,000 native trees - ash, oak, rowan, holly, hawthorn, alder and willow - to enhance the habitats and landscape and help stabilise erosion.

Both meadows are proving to be successful; with Natural England suggesting the oldest one is now of SSSI restored quality. The upland hay meadows will greatly increase biodiversity in the area, and support some of our rarest plant species. Our researchers have recorded the history of people in this landscape back to the 1100s, and we survey the ecology of this land every five years. This land has been dedicated as open access land so everyone can enjoy it in perpetuity.

Reasons to visit:

Visit our two stunning hay meadows (end of June, early July)
Seek out peace and tranquillity, with the only sound being the tumbling Borrow Beck, birds and sometimes sheep
Visit the old farmhouse and wonder how life there used to be
Link a walk to High Borrowdale with a circular walk of the surrounding tops of Whinash and Whinfell

Virtual Tour

Pay a virtual visit to High Borrowdale with an aerial 360 degree panorama which you can move around the property. Deep dive into key elements, such as the buildings, or hay meadow. Find out about what we have done, view time-lapse footage and watch our Vodcasts – small video clips of us talking about what we have done, the volunteers on why they volunteer, the importance of key features, etc.

Property Leaflets

We have a couple of property guides to help you explore High Borrowdale.

Download a printable guide to High Borrowdale here.

Download a printable guide to Upland Hay Meadows here.

Directions:

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap.

You can park at the layby at Hucks Brow (GR552038). What Three Words: spring.converter.soups

Walk up hill from the layby and, on the bend, you'll see a bridleway on the left. Follow this track for about a mile. It will drop downhill and then follow the course of the river. You reach High Borrowdale after you have crossed the bridge.

Access by public transport is very limited. Open access at all times.

This property benefits from a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, funded by the ‘European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development’ which enables us to do habitat and landscape enhancement.

Latest

New Government Bills proposed in the King's Speech

We welcome the new Government’s proposals which focus on decarbonisation of the energy sector, better buses, and curbing water pollution by making water bosses accountable. But new infrastructure and housing must not come at the expense of the landscape, environment, local people and higher carbon emissions.
Friends of The Lake District launches legal challenge over Elterwater Zip World approval

We are seeking a Judicial Review over the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision to grant planning permission for a major new adventure attraction at Elterwater Quarry.
15 July 24: Going on a bumblebee hunt at High Borrowdale

Some welcome sunshine for a fascinating day learning about bees at our spectacular High Borrowdale upland hay meadow.
Our Fundraising Promise

Land Management

We own and manage land across Cumbria and the Lake District. This work is coordinated by our property manager Jan Darrall. Read more about our work in her Land Manager's Diary detailing the amazing work carried out by our volunteers and providing updates on site visits, events and our plans for the future.
Location Map

Our land includes valleys, native woodlands, moorlands, uplands and commons. We encourage you to get out and visit some of these hidden Cumbrian treasures!
Little Asby Common

Friends of the Lake District is working with the commoners to enhance the character of this limestone landscape. The area is Open Access Land, so you are free to explore the site. Why not come and see some of the work we are doing?
Mazonwath

Mazonwath is a small site lying next to to Little Asby Common. It enjoys common rights and our purchase of the property in 2009 has allowed us to help protect the common and help the commoners with stock management to manage the common in a more environmentally friendly way.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views of Morecambe Bay and over Kendal to the Lake District fells. Fell ponies and cattle help us with conservation grazing at the Helm.
Rusland Woods

In 2017 we were given Bull Coppice and Resp Haw Wood, on the eastern side of the Rusland valley. The two woods form a block of ancient semi natural woodland, and are a mix of oak, birch, ash, small leaved lime, holly and other native species. A survey in 2023 revealed that some of the coppiced trees here are over 1000 years old.
Middle Bleansley

In March 2022 we were given 16 hectares of land, split between woodland and grazing land, at Middle Bleansley near Broughton in Furness in the Duddon estuary; now our most southerly piece of land.
Gillside Wood

Through the generosity of Friends members and the landowners, we planted 6,000 trees in 2014/15, creating a new 7 hectare native wood along Tongue Gill beck, Grasmere. The new woodland provides a haven for red squirrels, and food supplies for many declining woodland birds. It is also an important wildlife corridor, connecting habitats together.
Dam Mire Wood

A two hectare piece of land in Threlkeld gifted by member Prof Mike Hambrey. We've built a bridge across Kilnhow Beck and created a new path to the access the land, and worked with West Cumbria Rivers Trust and Threlkeld School children to plant over 1000 trees and install 'leaky dams' to slow the flow of water.
Greenbank Wood

A small one-and-a-half hectare woodland opposite the University of Cumbria's campus library on Nook Lane in Ambleside containing some large veteran beech and Scots pine trees dating back to the nineteenth century.

Volunteering

Learn new skills and join our army of volunteers helping us to make a practical difference to the Lake District all year round.
Our Purpose

We are an independent charity and the only membership organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing Cumbria's landscapes for future generations
Join Today

Play your part in protecting the Lake District by becoming a member today.
Elterwater Quarry Adventure Attraction plans resubmitted

Just before Christmas, revised proposals were submitted for a visitor attraction at Elterwater Quarry. We have reviewed the plans, we remain opposed to the scheme, and you can read our formal response here.
The Helm

Situated near Oxenholme, just south east of Kendal, and although not a very high hill at 185m, it gives beautiful views of Morecambe Bay and over Kendal to the Lake District fells. Fell ponies and cattle help us with conservation grazing at the Helm.
It's Time To Save Roanhead - Response Guidance

A NEW planning application has been submitted for the major resort development proposed at Roanhead. It will still have a huge impact on this sensitive coastline, even with a reduced number of lodges. Please join us again to challenge the proposal. Previous responses won't count and new responses need to reflect latest plans.
Why become a member?

Love the Lake District? Become a member of Friends of the Lake District and join thousands of people enjoying and protecting it.
Aerial Flight at Honister Slate Mine

We received the disappointing news that the Secretary of State will not ‘call in’ the proposed zip-wires at Honister and so the Authority’s approval stands. The Secretary of State is no longer required to give reasons for his decision.
What are the disadvantages of being in a National Park?
High Borrowdale

High Borrowdale is situated 8.5 miles north of Kendal, where we've planted trees, hedges and created new upland hay meadows. The best way to access it is from the A6, south of Shap. There is open access at all times and if you can't physically visit it, why not take a virtual tour?